Raymond Lawton

Raymond W. Lawton passed away Friday June 19th in Plano, Texas. Ray, Poppie as he was known to his grandchildren, was surrounded by family in his final hours. He is survived by his wife Patricia of 67 years, daughters, Leslie Robinson, Linsey Garwacki, and Adair Casterline, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Ray was a veteran of WW II where he served in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator on B-17 aircraft. He flew combat missions assigned to the 390th bomb squadron out of Framlingham, England. After returning from the war in 1945 he returned to his home city of New Orleans where he went back to work for WWL Radio. He and Patricia were married in 1947. He began his career as a salesman in the automotive heating and air conditioning industry. Ray's career took him to Dallas Texas, Cleveland Ohio, Detroit Michigan, Toledo Ohio, Milwaukee Wisconsin and eventually back to Plano Texas where he retired in the late 80's. In addition to providing a comfortable lifestyle for his family Ray enjoyed golf and regular exercise. In his later years Ray and Pat enjoyed time with the grandchildren and an occasional visit to the casinos. Ray will be remembered for the love of his country, strong work ethic and his underlying support of friends and family.

As a tribute to Raymond, those wishing to express their condolences in lieu of flowers may make a donation in his name to : The Collings Foundation, PO Box 248, Stow, MA 01775. Their website is: www.collingsfoundation.org. They offer flight experiences on their Wings of Freedom Tour in 110 cities annually. We were lucky enough to be able to take dad to see the tour this past spring at Love Field. It is a very worthwhile organization.

Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.